Graduate Students Gain Hands-On Extension Training through the BEST Program

By Savannah Moore, PhD Student and Extension Communications
Renee Strnad, Extension Associate, Environmental Ed
NC State University                   
College of Natural Resources              

The Broadening Extension through Student Training (BEST) program is an innovative training initiative housed within the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University. Launched in 2022, the program is designed to broaden participants’ understanding of Cooperative Extension and support career development in this vital field by providing training to help students translate their graduate research into public-facing educational programming. 
Since the inception of the program, 48 PSU graduate students have received training in the program with almost half of the participants going on to design extension deliverables connected to their own research. In addition to the nine instructors and over 40 students from Penn State, the 2025 program expanded to include five students and seven Extension professionals in the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University. More information about the BEST program, including the curriculum outline and impacts, can be found by visiting the web site: https://sites.psu.edu/bestprogram/stories-about-best/.
 
Panel discussion featuring from left to right: Dr. Tyler Groh (PSU), Sarah Cain (NCSU), Dr. Robert Bardon (NCSU), Dr. Jeff Hyde (PSU), and Dr. Melissa Kreye (PSU). Photo by Jenn Fawcett.
Over the course of four days, participants engaged in a variety of educational activities including lectures, breakout sessions, field tours, and social networking events. The BEST curriculum focuses on the history and mission of Extension, methods of program development and delivery, and strategies for evaluating impact. A key component of the program is a capstone project that requires participants to develop a logic model for a hypothetical Extension program of their own design. This exercise allows students to apply newly acquired knowledge in a practical setting, encouraging thoughtful planning and a deeper understanding of the program development lifecycle. 

Students had the opportunity to learn directly from seasoned Extension professionals from both Penn State and NC State, gaining insight into the diverse career paths and opportunities available within the Extension system. In their evaluations of the program, one anonymous Penn State student wrote:

“Before attending BEST program I did not know anything about extension education but after attending this program I learned a lot. I feel this training program was also very helpful for providing job opportunities and positions to the students. I also came to know about websites and available tools for updated information about what is going on in the field of extension education. Yes, I am interested in extension education after attending this program in my field (Agricultural Engineering).”

The program also benefited from the perspective of early-career Extension professionals, such as Sarah Cain, Extension Associate in Wildland and Prescribed Fire at NC State University. With just five months of professional Extension experience, Cain participated to provide insight that she wished she had received as a graduate student.

“It was something I really wanted to give back with, regarding what Extension has given me so far,” Cain explained. “I attended two land-grant universities as a student, but never heard about Extension until graduate school. I was in these participants’ shoes not long ago, so I wanted to offer my perspective as someone just starting out in Extension and support a program that gives students the exposure and opportunities I didn’t have. That was really important to me.”
 
2025 BEST program participants from Penn State and NC State. Photo by Sandy Smith.
Penn State University and NC State University are committed to the mission of Extension—translating cutting-edge research into practical solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities across their states. Programs like BEST exemplify this mission by investing in the next generation of Extension leaders, equipping them with the knowledge, experience, and professional networks they need to succeed.